Briana White: From YouTube Star to Aerith Gainsborough
Briana White is the kind of actor who makes you go, “Wait, where have I seen her before?” Then, when you realize she’s the voice of *Aerith Gainsborough* in *Final Fantasy VII Remake*, your jaw drops. Not only has she played one of gaming’s most beloved characters, but she’s also a content creator, Twitch streamer, and a rising star in Hollywood. Her versatility and charm are what make her so memorable—whether she’s lending her voice to an iconic character or cracking jokes on her YouTube channel.
The Early Days: Acting and Online Stardom
Before she became Aerith, Briana White was making waves in the acting world with a variety of TV and film roles. Born on April 28, 1992, in Orange County, California, she caught the acting bug at a young age and was determined to make her mark in the industry. She graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, which is a pretty impressive feat. (Side note: Do you know how many famous actors went to Tisch? So. Many.)
Her early work included smaller roles in TV shows like *Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior*, where she played Jenna in a 2011 episode. Yeah, it’s one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it roles, but hey, we’ve all got to start somewhere, right?
YouTube Stardom
Briana didn’t just stick to traditional acting roles. In 2012, she launched her YouTube channel, *Strange Rebel Gaming*, which quickly gained a loyal following. On the channel, Briana combined her love of gaming and performance, offering gameplay videos, reactions, and commentary with a charming mix of humor and heart. And let’s be real: her reactions to playing *Final Fantasy VII Remake* were golden, especially since she voiced one of the main characters.
Breakthrough Role: Aerith Gainsborough in Final Fantasy VII Remake
Now, let’s talk about *Final Fantasy VII Remake*, because this is where things really took off for Briana. In 2020, Briana voiced Aerith Gainsborough in one of the most anticipated games of all time. If you know anything about *Final Fantasy VII*, you know that Aerith is a beloved character. It’s no easy feat to step into such iconic shoes, but Briana knocked it out of the park. Fans and critics alike praised her portrayal, calling it both heartwarming and emotionally resonant.
Aerith’s mix of strength and vulnerability was a perfect match for Briana’s voice, and the game’s success helped solidify her status in the gaming world. Fun fact: Briana is also a big fan of the *Final Fantasy* series herself, so this role was a dream come true for her. She’s even streamed herself playing the game on her Twitch channel. Talk about living the dream!
Other Roles in Film and TV
Of course, Briana’s career isn’t just limited to the gaming world. She’s also had roles in films and TV shows that showcase her range as an actress. One notable role is in the film *Occupants* (2015), where she played Annie Curtis. The film is a psychological thriller about a woman who discovers a parallel universe through her home security camera. (Yup, it’s just as wild as it sounds.)
In addition to that, she’s appeared in *Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping* (2016), a hilarious comedy from The Lonely Island. Though her role as a party-goer in the film is brief, you might catch a glimpse of her in one of the film’s zany scenes. She also popped up in *White Girl* (2016), an indie drama that gained some critical attention.
Twitch Streaming: Building a Community
In addition to acting, Briana has become quite the presence on Twitch. She regularly streams on her channel, playing games and interacting with fans. It’s a fun space where she can just be herself—no scripts, no characters to embody—just Briana being Briana. Whether she’s playing *The Last of Us* or chatting with her community, her streams are full of laughter and good vibes. Fans appreciate her authenticity and the fact that she genuinely loves gaming.
Recognition and Awards
Thanks to her standout performance as Aerith, Briana has earned plenty of recognition in the gaming community. Her portrayal earned her a nomination for Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2020. Although the award ultimately went to another actor, the nomination itself speaks volumes about her talent and the impact she made with the role.
Personal Life
If you follow Briana on social media, you’ll know that she got married to her longtime partner, John Holland, in 2018. The couple frequently shares snippets of their life together, from travel adventures to gaming nights. They even team up for some of her Twitch streams. Seriously, they’re adorable.
When she’s not acting, streaming, or making YouTube videos, Briana loves animals—especially her pet cat, whose antics sometimes make guest appearances on her streams.
What’s Next for Briana White?
The future is looking incredibly bright for Briana. With her fan base continuing to grow and her resume expanding, there’s no telling what she’ll do next. More voice acting? Perhaps more live-action roles? We can only hope! One thing’s for sure: Briana White is an actress on the rise, and she’s only just getting started.
Final Thoughts
Briana White is living proof that hard work, passion, and a bit of nerdy charm can take you far. Whether she’s gracing our screens as Aerith or cracking jokes on Twitch, she’s carved out a unique space for herself in both the gaming and entertainment worlds. Plus, it’s just really cool to see someone who genuinely loves what they do and shares that joy with the world.
Keep an eye on her because something tells me this is just the beginning of an amazing career!
